EDITORIAL -- Resumes and Gangbangers

MAYOR WILLIE BROWN'S statement that "I don't know anyone who doesn't lie on their resume" reflects an unfortunate cynicism all too familiar among political pros.

"What does a resume have to do with being qualified?," Brown asked, defending Police Chief Fred Lau from criticism that he is a few credits shy of a college diploma.

Diploma or not, Lau was a solid choice for chief. But the mayor's idea that the truth doesn't count is nonsense. Unless this was just another case of Brown shooting from the lip, it suggests a judgment problem showing up in other areas.

His notion of hiring Mission District gang members to provide security on the Muni's most crime-ridden buses also makes us question his prudence. Who does he think is causing the trouble on the Muni, if not young gangsters? And what would happen to passengers wearing colors that might offend the patrolling punks?

Let's get serious, Mr. Mayor. A good start would be to recognize that truth counts, and one bit of undeniable truth is that gangbangers are dangerous, untrustworthy criminals not fit for police work.